Omega Constellation Chronometer 168.017 SP (1969)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A quintessential vintage Omega Constellation in a highly wearable configuration. This 1969 example features the celebrated C-shape case design conceived by Gerald Genta, paired with a crisp vertical brushed silver dial and its original stainless steel brick-link bracelet. Powered by the chronometer-certified Caliber 564, it remains a highly capable and visually striking mid-century dress watch. Brand: Omega Model: Constellation Reference Number: 168.017 SP Serial Number: 28286084 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 564, 24 Jewels, Chronometer Certified Dial: Silver with vertical brushed finish Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -2-4s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The silver dial is crisp and well-preserved, defined by a distinct vertical brushed finish. It features applied indices with black inserts, perfectly complementing the applied Omega logo and Constellation star at six o'clock. The dial surface remains clean, showing minimal signs of aging or spotting. The original stick hands also feature black inserts and display light aging, with minor oxidation and spotting visible under magnification. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case showcases the classic C-shape design, featuring brushed top surfaces that transition into polished flanks. The case displays honest wear, with light scratches and handling marks consistent with age and normal use, though the edges remain reasonably defined. A smooth polished bezel ring is integrated into the case design and shows light scratches. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, presenting only minor surface scratches typical of the material. The caseback retains a well-preserved observatory medallion, and the watch is fitted with a scalloped crown clearly signed with the Omega logo. Movement Inside beats the Omega Caliber 564, a 24-jewel automatic chronometer movement. The copper-colored plating presents a clean appearance with no obvious signs of corrosion or heavy wear. The crisp and legible engravings note OMEGA WATCH Co SWISS, TWENTY-FOUR 24 JEWELS, and ADJUSTED FIVE (5) POSITIONS AND TEMPERATURE, alongside the caliber and serial numbers. Recording -2-4s/day on the timegrapher. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with its original signed bracelet, a matching stainless steel brick-link design. It features a signed Omega clasp and endlinks marked 518. The bracelet shows moderate wear and likely some stretch consistent with its age, accommodating a maximum wrist fit of 18 cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The case displays honest wear with light scratches and handling marks, while retaining reasonably defined edges and a well-preserved caseback medallion. The silver brushed dial is wonderfully clean with minimal aging, though the hands show minor oxidation under magnification. The original brick-link bracelet exhibits moderate wear and stretch expected from regular use. The domed acrylic crystal has minor surface marks. The movement is performing very strongly, as explicitly supported by the recorded timegrapher result. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Constellation offers the attractive combination of a Gerald Genta C-shape case and a crisp vertical brushed dial. Complete with its original brick-link bracelet and a well-preserved observatory medallion, it is a fantastic example of Omega design. The chronometer-certified Caliber 564 adds significant mechanical appeal, especially given its strong timegrapher performance. History Introduced in 1952, the Constellation was established as Omega's flagship chronometer line, identified by the distinctive observatory medallion on the caseback. In the late 1960s, the collection evolved with the introduction of the C-shape case, famously penned by watch designer Gerald Genta. This design language modernized the Constellation while retaining its elegant proportions. The Caliber 564 inside is widely regarded by collectors as one of the finest mass-produced automatic chronometer movements of its era, representing the peak of Omega's mid-century mechanical achievements. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OCC-0060